New Leadership – 2025

August 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: pr@standwithasianamericans.com

Legal civil rights organization strengthens leadership team to expand fight against anti-Asian discrimination in the workplace

August 5, 2025 (New York, NY) — Stand with Asian Americans (SwAA), America’s first legal civil rights organization focused primarily on fighting anti-Asian workplace discrimination, announced the appointment of Rachel Lee as President and General Counsel.

Rachel Lee is an accomplished employment lawyer who joins SwAA from A&O Shearman, an international law firm, where she advised clients on employment matters, including worker protections against discrimination, while also leading numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and pro bono matters to support underrepresented communities. As a first-generation immigrant from South Korea, Lee brings a personal perspective and sense of mission that have shaped her legal career and community advocacy. Her leadership and commitment to advancing justice have been recognized by her industry peers and local community organizations.

Lee succeeds Michelle Lee, who has transitioned from her role as President, General Counsel and Board Chair to join MediaCo Holding Inc. as Chief Legal Officer. Brian Pang has also transitioned from his role as Chief Operating Officer. Both Michelle and Brian will remain involved as volunteers, and SwAA appreciates them for their contributions.

Michael Roberts, a seasoned civil rights litigator, was appointed earlier this year to the position of Legal Director at SwAA and will remain in his role under Rachel Lee’s leadership, spearheading SwAA’s legal assistance work and developing strategies to maximize the organization’s impact.

SwAA was founded in 2021 in response to rising anti-Asian hate incidents and has evolved to focus on anti-Asian discrimination in the workplace through legal advocacy, education and community organizing. The organization works to combat anti-Asian workplace discrimination and has launched the Workplace Justice Fund last year to provide legal, emotional and psychological support for those facing discrimination.

“Rachel brings the legal expertise and strategic vision we need to advance our mission,” said Justin Zhu, Co-Founder and Board Member of SwAA. “Her lived experience as an immigrant, in addition to her deep employment law background and courageous public advocacy, makes her uniquely equipped to lead SwAA at a time when Asian Americans continue to face systemic bias in the workplace. We are confident that under her leadership, SwAA will broaden its reach and deepen its impact.”

Board Member April Moh added, “Rachel’s appointment represents a pivotal moment for our organization. Her passion for the Asian American civil rights movement, coupled with her proven track record in advocacy for justice and equity for the underrepresented, makes her the right leader to guide SwAA as we expand our impact. We remain committed to ensuring every Asian American has equal opportunities and protection from discrimination.”

The leadership change demonstrates SwAA’s ongoing commitment and uniquely positions SwAA to strengthen its legal and advocacy work at a time when workplace discrimination against Asian Americans remains a significant issue across industries. Amidst growing concern around the nation over race-based attacks and increased need for action, SwAA is poised to play a critical role in protecting the Asian American communities and advancing justice.

To support SwAA’s mission and contribute to the Workplace Justice Fund, individuals and organizations can donate by contacting donate@standwithasianamericans.com.

If you are experiencing workplace discrimination, please report it using our online portal at https://justice.standwithasianamericans.com/report-discrimination/.

About Stand with Asian Americans
Stand with Asian Americans (SwAA) is America’s first legal civil rights organization focused primarily on fighting anti-Asian workplace discrimination. Through the power of law, education and community, the organization aims to protect and advance the rights of Asians in America.

Anyone can get involved in creating a world where Asians in America are empowered to exercise their civil rights and constitutional liberties.

Join the fight. Visit https://standwithasianamericans.com/ to learn more.

You can also engage with SwAA on the following platforms: